Miniature horse brings comfort as therapy animal

Daisy, standing at 29 inches tall, is a miniature horse. Her proper name is Wendy Woods Golden Palomino Daze.

Hamilton originally bought Daisy as a show horse, but she said the animal was too mellow to show but just right for therapy work.

The pair recently went to Avalon Valley Rehabilitation, where volunteers tested and re-certified the horse, as well as a few dogs, for therapy animal work. Daisy passed easily.

"Daisy has been one of our superstars from the very first year," said Deborah Carr, executive director of Therapy Animals of Utah and a volunteer with Pet Partners, the organization that registers the animals.

After her exam, Daisy demonstrated her special brand of healing and affection as she mingled with residents.